Lin Ming would never disappoint Gandulf—at least the clue would be of use to him.
Gandulf stared at the stuff, his words somewhat reluctant. “The Staff of Blazing Power has served me for years. From today onwards, it belongs to you. Use it well.”
“Yes, Master. Rest assured. With your staff in my hands, I would never tarnish your reputation.” Lin Ming nodded. He detected Gandulf’s resistance, but he would never reject such an opportunity.
“You brat. I know that.” Gandulf smiled. Only a monster like Lin Ming could draw out the real power of the Staff of Blazing Power. “You do not have any favors needed, am I right?” he asked.
“Yes, Master. I’m all good. But if only I could get my hands on another defensive spiritual treasure, that would be great. The danger would always be lurking in the Juncture. I’m worried if I couldn’t react in time…” Lin Ming rubbed his hands, staring at Gandulf with his puppy eyes.
Gandulf knew what Lin Ming was up to—Lin Ming was clear enough. Gandulf’s items were top-notch, and naturally, Lin Ming wouldn’t let go of such a chance.
“You brat. The staff is half of my blood and sweat,” Gandulf grunted. “But you do need a defensive spiritual treasure.” He sighed. If he had known earlier, he would have given Lin Ming what he wanted directly.
“I have not given you your welcome gift yet. Here.” Gandulf retrieved a spiritual treasure from his ring. It was only the size of a palm, placed in the middle of his grip. “This is the defensive spiritual treasure of the Vajra Patra. As you activate your magic powers, the Vajra Patra would hover over your head, deflecting all attacks. Of course, there is a limit it can withstand.” He handed the item to Lin Ming.
“Thank you, Master!” Lin Ming was excited. As Gandulf shifted his magic powers into it, the Vajra Patra now had a high defensive aptitude.
“The Vajra Patra has an auto-trigger in protecting its owner. You now need to drip your blood onto it, and when danger comes, its first mechanism would have protected you automatically.”
“Okay.” Lin Ming dropped his drip of blood on the Vajra Patra. In an instant, it turned into a spiritual robe and wrapped around Lin Ming. It was weightless, and it wouldn’t hinder Lin Ming’s movements. But the defense was on point, as expected of Gandulf’s products.
“My greatest gratitude to you, Master.”
“No formalities are needed between you and me.” Gan Dao waved his hand—he just experienced immense loss on his assets. Still, Lin Ming was his only disciple. It only made sense to pass his items on.
“Rest well tonight. We will leave tomorrow!” Gandulf turned away.
“Yes!” Lin Ming nodded.
Holding the two spiritual treasures that he had just obtained, Lin Ming cracked into a smile. He was confident that he could crush his opponent this time. That night, Lin Ming didn’t reenter the Lightning Pool—there wouldn’t be much effect anyway. He wanted to improve his condition to the best within one night.
Lin Ming knew the Sage Tier Mages wouldn’t be chatty—after they all arrived, they would enter the Juncture straight. Though Lin Ming had enough confidence, there were too many unknowns within the Juncture, and he was better prepared.
The next day—
When Lin Ming and Gandulf appeared at the front at the same time, Lin Ming bowed. “Master!” No matter what realm, etiquette was the most crucial.
Gandulf was pleased to see Lin Ming in his top condition. “Very well, let us depart.” Instantly, magic surrounded them.
They didn’t need any treasures to help them soar, and they flew towards the southeast at high speed. Even if they were fast, it took them half a day to reach their destination.
“Gandulf, you are the latest again,” a few voices murmured. “I know your battered soul desires nothing. Next time, send out your notice, and we shall not wait for you,” a Sage Tier Mage teased.
“If I do not come, would you be able to unlock the door to the Juncture?” Gandulf snorted. He wasn’t anxious at all because he was one of the keys to opening the portal. Every Sage Tier Mage must be present to prevent anyone from sneaking in.
“Gandulf, did I hear that your old den was gone?” another mage asked.
“What old den? It is a place for cultivation. Changes happen eventually.” Gandulf waved his hand.
“I heard the castle you were living in has awakened, and it acknowledged a new owner?”
“From who did you hear it? I have been guarding there every day, and I haven’t the faintest idea. That is a load of crap,” Gandulf scoffed, his expression remained unchanged.
“You sly fox. You are still not admitting it. Unless it acknowledged you instead…” The surrounding mages closed in on Gandulf. After all, the Stupa was one of the Great Four Divine Artifacts. With it, no Sage Tier Mage could fight him one-on-one.
“Nonsense. If it were me, what am I still doing here?” Gandulf denied.
“And this young boy?” All gazes shifted to Lin Ming now.
“Is the reason for our gathering today a fight?” Suddenly, Gandulf’s aura erupted, forcing the few of them to retreat. “Are we still going into the Juncture today? You do not seem too invested in the idea. Shall we cancel?” Gandulf snorted coldly.
“No, no. We were fooling about.” They knew Gandulf’s lack of interest. But if Gandalf left now, wouldn’t their plans go to waste?
